Write an editorial in 45 minutes?
Given that lawyers are professional writers, I’ve always thought that any good lawyer ought to be able to block out a period of 45 minutes, sit down, and write a publishable newspaper editorial during that time. Many can.
But most can’t. It’s challenging to define a problem of current concern, stake out a position, develop and defend that position, rebut the strongest counterarguments, and close—all in 750 or so words. And it’s especially challenging to do all that while producing professional-quality writing in under an hour.
If you’re one of those who can’t, you should aspire to become one who can. Acquiring the skill would have myriad positive ramifications in your law practice. You’d be more efficient and more effective than ever.
Why don’t you take the challenge right now, on a subject you feel strongly about? Then submit your effort to your favorite newspaper. Let me hear what comes of it (info@lawprose.org).